Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being - SDG Series | Academy 4 Social Change

Summary

The Academy for Social Change discusses SDG3, emphasizing the global health disparities and the unequal distribution of medical advancements. While progress has been made, challenges like maternal mortality, vaccine accessibility, and the resurgence of diseases like tuberculosis and malaria persist, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The script calls for collective action, from governments to individuals, to promote health equity, suggesting support for organizations like Doctors Without Borders and advocating for marginalized communities.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Medical innovations have improved global health, but benefits are unequally distributed.
• 🔄 Only half of the world's population has access to essential health services, with affordability issues for many.
• 🛑 Progress in combating major diseases like malaria and tuberculosis has slowed down.
• 🤰 Maternal mortality has declined overall, but women in sub-Saharan Africa face higher risks due to fewer skilled birth attendants.
• 💉 In 2017, only 67% of people received the necessary doses of vaccines to prevent measles.
• 🎯 The United Nations has set SDG3 to ensure healthy lives and well-being for all at all ages.
• 🎯 SDG3 includes 13 targets, one of which is to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to under 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.
• 🚫 The spread of communicable diseases like HIV and hepatitis is targeted for control under SDG3.
• 🏥 Other targets aim to prevent substance abuse, promote mental health, and make universal health coverage a reality.
• 📉 The rate of progress in achieving SDG3 targets has slowed, especially due to the COVID-19 crisis.
• 🌍 Some countries like Denmark and the Netherlands provide almost entirely free healthcare for all registered citizens.
• 💼 While the Netherlands provides extensive benefits, it does not guarantee healthcare services to undocumented immigrants.
• 📢 Individuals can help by spreading awareness, advocating for those with limited access to healthcare, and donating to organizations that provide medical assistance.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the Sustainable Development Goal Three (SDG3)?

SDG3 focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.

Why is the distribution of medical innovations considered unequal globally?

The benefits of medical technologies are unequally distributed because only half the world's population has access to essential health services, and many struggle to afford it.

What is one of the specific targets of SDG3 mentioned in the script?

One target is to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to under 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.

How has the progress in combating major diseases been affected recently?

Progress has slowed, especially due to the COVID-19 crisis, which led to resurgence in diseases like tuberculosis and malaria.

What challenges do sub-Saharan African women face regarding skilled birth attendants?

Significantly fewer women in sub-Saharan Africa have skilled birth attendants compared to women elsewhere, putting them at a higher mortality risk.

What is the current situation regarding the vaccination coverage for measles?

In 2017, only 67 percent of people had the necessary doses of vaccines to prevent measles.

What are some actions that individuals can take to help achieve SDG3?

Individuals can spread awareness about health for all through social media, educate themselves online, advocate for those with limited access to healthcare, and donate to organizations that provide medical assistance.

Which countries are mentioned as examples of providing almost entirely free healthcare for all registered citizens?

Denmark and the Netherlands are mentioned as examples of countries that provide almost entirely free healthcare for all registered citizens.

What is one limitation of the healthcare system in the Netherlands as described in the script?

The healthcare system in the Netherlands does not guarantee healthcare services to undocumented immigrants.

How can people support organizations that help provide healthcare to those in need?

People can donate to organizations like Doctors Without Borders, which gives medical assistance to those affected by extreme circumstances or excluded from healthcare.

What other issues do you think might be related to health disparities as hinted in the script?

Health disparities may also be related to issues such as socioeconomic status, education levels, and geographical location, in addition to race, immigration, and poverty.